SHADY SPRING, W.Va. — Perched more than 1,400 feet above the New River, the panoramic overlooks of the New River Gorge at Grandview offer views of the world-famous gorge at its widest and deepest.
The rock outcrops, shaded by rhododendron, highlight why Grandview is one of West Virginia's must-see attractions and a crown-jewel of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
Grandview: What a View!
From its wheelchair-accessible main overlook, visitors can enjoy a stunning panorama that stretches more than 15 miles across the Allegheny Mountains region, through which the New River carves a serpentine course.
The landscape visible from the overlooks is a dissected plateau—an upland area shaped by the river and its tributaries, which have carved steep-walled, v-shaped valleys. Many summits share a uniform elevation, though some peaks soar even higher.
Two peaks visible from the overlook are as much as eight miles away. To the north, the highest include Chestnut Knob (3,357 feet above sea level) near Babcock State Park and Walnut Knob (3,442 feet above sea level) on Big Sewell Mountain. By comparison, the river below the overlook is at an elevation of 1,215 feet.
Perhaps the most prominent feature in view is the bend in the canyon known to old railroaders as the “Great Bend,” a significant curve among engineers building the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway in the early 1870s.
The mountain above the Great Bend rises to a summit on War Ridge, also known as Backus Mountain, named after a family of settlers. The name “War Ridge” likely came from Native American artifacts found in the area that led settlers to think a battle had occurred. But the artifacts are more likely the result of a native trail that once followed the crest of the ridge.
Grandview is a great place to see the spectacular displays of two different species of rhododendron. In June, white-blooming Great Rhododendron blossoms in the forest understory near the rim. In May, purple-blooming Catawba Rhododendron blossom in profusion The exact bloom times are not consistent year to year, so check with a ranger at one of our visitor centers or check our facebook page for updates.
Grandview as a Destination
In recent years, the park service has promoted Grandview as an alternative hiking destination to reduce crowding on popular trails in more highly visited areas like Long Point and Endless Wall near the New River Gorge Bridge.
Deb Lamey, president of the park "friends" support group, says she prefer's the 1.6-mile Grandview Rim Trail as a serene alternative to others near the bridge and Fayetteville.
"I love the Grandview Rim Trail," Lamey says. "It has fabulous views of the river the entire way, beautiful spots at both the beginning and the end, and it isn’t overcrowded or loud.”
The trail begins at the Main Overlook and travels along the rim past the park’s North Overlook to the Turkey Spur overlook. While the trail is mostly level, sections near the spur include several short climbs, so the trail is designated as moderately strenuous. Along the way, hikers pass through shady groves of rhododendron, offering a glimpse of green in winter and a cool retreat in summer.
Its overlooks aren't just daytime attractions. The area is known for its dark skies, which draws star-watchers to enjoy views of the heavens to the north and northeast where few light sources interfere. The Northern Lights have been witnessed by many at the overlook in recent years. Camping is not permitted at Grandview, though a campground at Little Beaver State Park is only a 10 minute drive.
The overlooks also offer variety and accessibility. The Main Overlook is only 500 feet from a parking area and the park visitor center. Nearby, the 1200-seat Cliffside Amphitheatre hosts the summer outdoor dramas Hatfields and McCoys and Honey in the Rock.
The North Overlook is typically less crowded and is only a short woodland walk from the parking lot. It includes several smaller overlooks. At the northern end of the trail, Turkey Spur Overlook, a park highlight, is accessible by a winding stairway that ascends to the summit of a rocky capstone where turkeys once roosted.
The park includes several playgrounds and picnic areas and five hiking trails. Ranger-led walks and talks are scheduled through the warm months. Information about renting picnic shelters at Grandview can be found on the park's permits and reservations page of its website.
Grandview was originally a state park, established in 1939, but was transferred to the National Park Service in 1990. Many park walkways and structures were built of stone and timber by the Civilian Conservation Corp.
It's open year-round, and its visitor center is normally open June through August.
How To Get To Grandview
To reach Grandview from Beckley, the largest nearby city, follow I-64 east five miles to exit 129 B. From Lewisburg, follow I-64 west 40 miles to exit 129. From either exit, turn right and follow WV-9 north six miles.
For more information, contact the park service at 304-465-0508 or visit its website at https://www.nps.gov/neri/index.htm.
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